NZDF sends more personnel to help control Nelson bushfire
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has sent another 30 personnel today to help control the raging bushfire in Nelson, almost doubling the number already sent to provide support.
Those sent today will help evacuate residents from Wakefield if that becomes necessary.
Commodore Tony Millar, the Acting Commander Joint Forces, said seven of the NZDF firefighters already in Nelson would continue working today with crews from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Department of Conservation at Redwood Valley Road, while about 20 NZDF others were working with New Zealand Police to enforce cordons in affected areas.
“We are deploying 30 more personnel this morning to assist with a potential evacuation,” Commodore Millar said.
The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group urged Wakefield residents late on Thursday to be prepared to evacuate should weather conditions cause the fire perimeter to expand.
